Java Man, the 2008 winner of the Best of the Best coffeehouse in Hermosa Beach is a small shop that was converted from a home built in the 1920s. It is only one of a few independently owned coffeehouses in Hermosa Beach, CA. It has a quaint atmosphere that is rare to find in today’s world. There is hardly any remodeling done to the interior of the eatery, keeping its charm.

Traditional café tables and chairs are available with a few couches scattered through the dining area. The room is full of windows letting the beach sun in. The color scheme is bright, to reflect the sun. The aura was vibrant and quick paced. No music was playing so the employees’ banter could be heard clearly. The walls are decorated with paintings from local artists. The coffeehouse is dog friendly with a jar of dog biscuits prominently displayed next to the condiment station, which was kept clean and stocked. There were no paper copies of the menu but oddly enough there were menus of the Ocean Diner. There were also a few tables available outside the coffeehouse complete with umbrellas.

The menu offers breakfast with major emphasis on varieties of breakfast burritos, lunch sandwiches, and many baked goods and desserts which are made from scratch at another Hermosa eatery, the Ocean Diner. Rare bottled sodas are available as well. The coffee menu consists of freshly brewed coffee, lattes, and teas.

The staff chatted among themselves for a bit while customers waited in line. Upon noticing them, they proceeded to take the orders. They instructed the patrons to have a seat while the order was being prepared. They would call the patrons’ orders out for them to pick up. The orders would not be brought to the tables.

The mocha latte ($3.00) was ready shortly after ordering. The turkey pesto sandwich ($6.00) was ready a few minutes later. The latte was warm and the espresso overpowered the chocolate taste. The milk was not rich, as accustomed to, but rather light. The sandwich was accompanied by a bag of chips and an apple. The sandwich bread was nothing worth noting. The pesto sauce was barely noticeable and the turkey meat was rather dry. Clearly the meal in itself was just average.


The staff continued to chat loudly as patrons were dining and new patrons entered the establishment. This could become distracting, especially for patrons studying, working, or doing homework.

Java Man is a good place to stop by for a caffeine boost during a stroll on Pier Avenue. It’s also great for sitting outside and people watching with a few friends, or with your dog. However it is not recommended for those who prefer a quiet atmosphere in order to get work done. The desserts and baked goods are worth checking out as they are made from scratch.


As with a majority of eateries in Hermosa Beach, Java Man does not have a parking lot so bring extra coins and allow extra time after 5pm. Many free one hour parking spaces are available during the day and early afternoons. Java Man is located at 157 Pier Ave Hermosa Beach,CA.

Bianca is a Florida State University graduate with a strong passion for writing and a love of food. She hopes to be a successful food critic one day.

The band Gwen Stacy, (named after a Spider-Man comic book character), is a hardcore Christian punk band with a solid foundation. Forming in 2004, the band churns out musical masterpieces year after year. For instance, ...I Believe in Humility, was released in 2005, then one year later a collection of demos were unleashed. As if that wasn't enough, they released The Life I Know, (2008) and then, A Dialogue, which is their newest release.

Since the beginning though, the band has made a name for themselves and continue to make their mark within the music industry. So, what makes this band so unique? Probably the 11-tracks exhibited in their latest album titled, A Dialogue.

The collection of tunes captures Gwen Stacy's maturity and showcases how much the band has developed since 2004. This is exemplified in "Creation and How I see it," along with "Devil Devil," "A Middle Ground," "The Sound Of Letting Go." These selections showcase the band's musical skills.

The music sets itself up by allowing the guitar's rhythm to combine with the drums. The rest of the instruments i.e. bass and vocals come thundering in with such charging force that it clashes altogether making the listener jump as the sound progresses.

Gwen Stacy's lyrical formula isn't that bad either. Listeners get to feel the exact emotions exuded by the band - both vocally and through instrumentals. Without a doubt, Gwen Stacy has indeed made their mark and is a break out addition to the world we call music.

Disarray Magazine interviewed bassist Brent Schindler: Gwen Stacy's Bassist Brent Schindler Talks About the Music Scene

Natalie Perez has been a Music/Entertainment Journalist for 7 years now having first started out with her middle and high school newspapers. She now writes for a handful of various online and print publications.

On Oct.22, 2009 The Smell in Downtown Los Angeles was where you could’ve caught an intimate show with headliner 60 Watt Kid, and openers Afternoon Brother, and Mason Lindahl.

Mason Lindahl opened the set with some amazing guitar work. Musically eclectic and powerful, this type of music is hard to find on the radio. It was like listening to a wave of emotion consisting of very high peaks and burst of energy followed by serene guitar work. It’s the type of music that challenges the listener to experience rather than just hear.

Following Mason's set, he was joined by Afternoon Brother consisting of Jon Bafus, Erik Woodard, and Micheal Saalman.

They continued the night with more amazing music, beginning their set with droning guitars and drums that sounded like controlled chaos. You could hear the train coming, it was going to hit and when it did, the band was in full momentum and created a unique experience.

The band went from textures of music to this tight and concise sounding band within seconds. With many peaks and valleys written and performed in their music, it was nearly impossible for audience members not to like the show. It's definitely something to be felt when the band's music is pounding your chest.

Then, it was time for the headliners of the night, the much anticipated 60 Watt Kid. Kevin Litrow, Derek Thomas and Dylan Wood not only impressed the crowd, but managed to finesse amazing sounds from their guitars.

Echoes and audio loops were used to create this atmosphere/canvas that they began to paint on. Like seasoned performers leading the charge of their music, the band grabbed the attention of every person in the venue.

They began their set at a low yet intriguing energy and continued to build upon it. It was amazing how much of a dynamic range the band had. By the end of the night they were sonically as high as a performer could get. The crowd was feeling every note they played. Amazing notes combined with the singer's echoes, thumping beats and dueling guitars, recorded statements that played through the speakers. These guys were without a doubt at a musical high that most bands never reach.

It was amazing to see how much talent there was in the underground music scene. Not having to conform to popular standards set these bands artistically free and it showed during their performance. Overall the night was great.

Eric Mora is a Los Angeles based Film Composer/guitarist and specializes in music. He hopes to one day become a powerhouse of film scoring. Always up for something new he is always looking to see what new sounds are out there. To contact Eric you can email him at aromratiug@gmail.com

Sacramento natives, Afternoon Brother, sat down for a brief interview with Disarray Magazine's Eric Mora before their performance at The Smell in Downtown Los Angeles. For the concert review, check out: 60 Watt Kid, Afternoon Brother, and Mason Lindahl Rock The Smell


Disarray Mag: So we’re here with Afternoon Brother, where are you guys based from?

Afternoon Brother: Well we’re from Sacramento and have been playing for 3 years together now.

Disarray Mag: What are your guys' influences or what have you been listening to?

Afternoon Brother: Well we listen to New Radicals and our own music, you know, so we can improve on it.

Disarray Mag: How did you go about recording your album?

Afternoon Brother: Well we used an 8 track and had Greg Hagel produce the album, yeah Micheal also has a solo album and so does Mason.

Disarray Mag: If you had a catchphrase what would it be?

Afternoon Brother: Well we wrote these really cool lyrics that would best describe us. "I transcended before you, go on girl yes you do baby."


For more info on the band, check them out at:

http://www.myspace.com/afternoonbrother

Eric Mora is a Los Angeles based Film Composer/guitarist and specializes in music. He hopes to one day become a powerhouse of film scoring. Always up for something new he is always looking to see what new sounds are out there. To contact Eric, you can email him at aromratiug@gmail.com

Before taking the stage at the Downtown Los Angeles venue The Smell, the 60 Watt Kid sat down with Disarray Magazine writer Eric Mora. Discussing everything from musical influences to crazy road stories, read on to find out more about the band.

Disarray Mag: So we’re here with 60 Watt Kid, so where are you guys based from?

60 Watt Kid: We’re from Long Beach but starting building a big following in San Francisco.

Disarray Mag: What are your guy’s influences for your music or what have you been listening to?

Derek: I’m into Mice Parade, Crowd Rock, and Arial Pink just to name a few.

Kevin: Well I’m into Nation of Ulysses, Fugazi, and Tangerine Dream.

Dylan: I’m really into John Bonham, Dearhoof, and Grizzly Bear.

Disarray Mag: So what is your latest album called?

60 Watt Kid: It’s called We Come from the Brightside and we are going to have a release show for it Nov. 10 at the Echo.

Disarray Mag: How did you guys go about recording it?

60 Watt Kid: Well we recorded half in Oakland to get a raw sound and then half at Infrasonic for a high fidelity sound and had the two mixed together.

Disarray Mag: If you had a catch phrase what would it be?

60 Watt Kid: uhmm…intergalactic cannibalism and we’re whack hahaha…

Disarray Mag: Do you guys have any cool road stories?

60 watt kid: Well last week we had just finished rehearsing and were loading our gear when there was this huge gang shootout in the front it was like more than 20 gunshots it was really insane!

Disarray Mag: Do you have anything to say to your fans?

60 Watt Kid: Yeah man, come to our shows.

For the concert review, check out: 60 Watt Kid, Afternoon Brother, and Mason Lindahl Rock The Smell

Eric Mora is a Los Angeles based Film Composer/guitarist and specializes in music. He hopes to one day become a powerhouse of film scoring. Always up for something new he is always looking to see what new sounds are out there. To contact Eric you can email him at aromratiug@gmail.com

Everyone gets nervous on a first date, but these lapses in judgment could get you a glass of wine in the face.

We've all been there: that nervous, clammy first date with the hottie sitting across the table. Not knowing anything about her, you struggle for words...conversation and the comment about how great you ex-girlfriend was in bed slips out. You probably just lost with Miss Right -- even if she's just Miss Right-Now. To make sure you keep you're "A" game at all times, here are some things you should not bring up on your first date.


"I've been on that dating site for three years."

What does that translate into for us?
• You're a serial dater and therefore undesirable.
• You're a loser and no one in real life would ever go out with you.
• You're a loser and apparently have deep rooted issues that keep you hiding on the web.
Take your pick -- none of them translate into you getting a second date.


"My ex is..."

Great in bed; sitting at the next table; an evil bitch. Women know you have a past and we are not going to hold that against you. What we will hold against you is if you keep bringing up our predecessors. It shows you can't let go of the past or -- ever worse -- still live in it. It proves that we're not as interesting as them and if it's topped with extremely angry, bitter, or disrespectful comments, the red flag is going up and the date is going downhill fast. Bottom line: don't mention the ex!


"You look...in real life."

Shorter; skinnier; younger; prettier; better. No one wants to hear an off-handed compliment. They always sound like an insult -- she hears that she looks bad in pictures or that she's more disappointing in real life. Criticizing will get you nowhere on a first date except home in time to catch the late show. On the same note, never ask if anything is real, including the color of her eyes or the size of anything you find impressive. Not only will we write you off as classless and tacky, it may get you a glass of wine in the face.


"Do you have any..."

STDs; fantasies; sex toys. Whether you are asking to check out the goods for yourself later that night or are feeling guilty about your recently contracted herpes, never ask someone about their sexual history, preferences, or proclivity on a first date. This should also include number of partners, past sexual orientation, and other too-personal-for-the-dinner-table questions.

"I don't get many..."

Dates; friends; job offers. If you haven't learned this from watching the quarterback in high school, the confident guy has a way better chance with the girl. Putting yourself down won't win you sympathy or earn you any points. Girls can sense when a guy has low self-esteem, no backbone, and is wishy-washy about everything. Feign confidence if you have to, but don't go into the date a spineless little boy. First dates should always be fond memories; go forth as a man.

So, remember to censor yourself before you tell your date something you'll regret later. Follow our tips and score a second date.

Tim Foreman Bassist of rock n' rollers Switchfoot, recently discussed the band's upcoming touring route, the new record and what's in store for the future of Switchfoot.

1. Let's talk about your new album. What's the main message you want to get across through Hello Hurricane?

Tim: A lot of it comes from the album title - Hello Hurricane was decided before we had even written the song. Before we really developed what type of album it came to be. We also had an experience where we went down to Louisiana after Katrina, where we met a lady there who had lost her leg, her quote was “I walked out of my last house and walked into a new one”. So that stuck with us as a band and helped us out both independently and became our visual when we made this record and our storm will come and standing in the face of that and jump right into it.

2. What can be said about the album cover, does it resemble the beach and the lifestyles of your hometown in San Diego?

Tim: For me, it tells you that the storm is coming and growing up on the East Coast that was one of the signs you saw, all of the animals reacting to this disaster slowly building itself, the birds in particular would signal that the storm was coming but it also has that touch of San Diego that we’ll always have with us.

3. While writing this album you had written four other albums, why the decision on releasing them one after the other?

Tim: We hadn’t really decided on how we’re going to release the rest of them yet. It was a perfect time for us being an independent band and building our own studio and the results of that was 80 songs and some of them fit together better than others – creating their own categories and having those songs be thrown into that particular area that’s the album that will come forth. As far as releasing the other three we haven’t put the plans out yet. But we chose these songs for a reason which was the motto: “They have to be songs you want to die singing”.

4. Are you excited about going out on this mini tour, what venues/cities are you looking forward to the most?

Tim: It’s going to be a real challenge for us, what we’ve done is set it up where we play Hello Hurricane from start to finish all 12 tracks in order and we’ve never done anything like that before. That’s definitely going to take some practice, and what we’re currently doing right now in our studio here in San Diego. At the same time we’re looking for new challenges and one we’re looking forward to.

5. What's one that hasn't been said about Hello Hurricane?

Tim: This was the hardest record we’ve made as a band. You normally have a goal, and then try to find the best ways to get there. With this album we had no idea where the finish line was going to end up. So we ended up going in numerous directions and then found the right path and during this process we spent the past 2 and ½ years putting a lot of work into it.

6. You guys plan on performing on Jimmy Kimmel again, last time and actually first time I saw you guys play back in 05, how much do you think your band has grown since then?

Tim: I think we’ve grown quite a bit and to focus on the live portion for a minute, we’ve toured restlessly for the past four years and as far as what we can do as a live band, the recklessly of it all was worth it. It’s exciting to experience every day, no knowing what’s going to happen – like trying to recreate it over and over again.

7. How about DVD's only DVD available is your "Live in San Diego" (2003), I have not seen your other newer releases "Live at the Ventura Theatre and The Best Yet Live in Nashville" are those available in stores or online?

Tim: I’m not sure, we do have a great relationship with our fans and we put everything right into the website and it’s the barrier between us and our fans.

8. Did you guys record any cover songs for this album?

Tim: No we didn’t we had a hard enough time trying to figure which of the 90-something songs to get on this record. *Laughs*

9. If you had to run into yourself 10 years ago and tell yourself what you're in store for what would you say?

Tim: Wow…. I guess I would say, perspective is one of the most important things, the highs and the lows of everyday life, the highs aren’t as high as you think and the lows aren’t as low as you think it’s like a roller coaster.

10. Anything else you'd like to add?

Tim: No I think that’s it.

Check out our review of Hello Hurricane here: Switchfoot's Seventh Album Hello Hurricane Proves to Be a Hit

Natalie Perez has been a Music/Entertainment Journalist for 7 years now having first started out with her middle and high school newspapers. She now writes for a handful of various online and print publications.

These days, independent coffeehouses are few and far between. Eclipsing them have been the giant chain coffeehouses where everything is standardized. Los Angeles, like many large cities is overrun by the larger chains. However, smaller, independently owned coffeehouses can be found in one’s own neighborhood if looked for hard enough.

Catalina Coffee Company is a local favorite just minutes from the sands of Redondo Beach. This quaint coffee house looks like a large living room that feels like home. Gone is the corporate structure and box like feel; in its place, a relaxing neighborhood hangout. Oversized couches, armchairs and dining tables can be found in all areas of the establishment. In addition, an outdoor patio is available as well. An honors code all mystery library, newspapers, a cozy fireplace, and even chess tables and board games are available to help relax and unwind. The stress of sipping and running cannot be found here. The theme is comfortable, and Catalina does a great job at keeping it that way.

Catalina roasts its own beans on site which is one of the many things that makes it unique in this day and age. The extensive menu offers a wide array of coffees, teas, pastries, chips, soups, breakfast sandwiches, bagels, oatmeal, lunch sandwiches, and Italian soda.

The hot chocolate arrived moments after placing the order. The flavor was sweet and not too rich, the milk was just the right temperature. Minutes later the turkey sandwich was also brought to the table. The meat was tender, the slaw was crispy, the bread was chewy. It was a perfect lunch on a cool autumn day.



The staff was very welcoming and friendly. They were seen throughout the establishment cleaning and speaking with the guests. The dining area was clean and although the staff delivers the food, the diners are encouraged to put it away at the bussing station. A majority of the patrons obliged with the task.

Catalina is a great alternative to the usual chain coffee house. It not only has great coffee, tea, pastries, and sandwiches, but it's also an ideal place to study, catch up on work, or simply to read. The clientele is an eclectic mix of study groups, local interest meetings, professionals, mothers, and retirees that can be seen throughout the dining area. Internet access is available for a nominal charge. Poetry readings and live music occurs on a sporadic basis. There is no set schedule of events but the staff is well aware of future happenings and can assist with any questions. Fliers can also be found in the dining area as well. It has its own parking lot that fills quickly on weeknights after 7pm. The average price per beverage is $4.00. Meals are under $10.00.


There is limited parking available on the adjacent streets. Bring change just in case you need to park at one of the metered spots. Operating hours are M-F 7am-10pm & Sunday, 7am-8pm.
Catalina Coffee Company is located at 126 N Catalina Ave Redondo Beach, CA 90277.

Bianca is a Florida State University graduate with a strong passion for writing and a love of food. She hopes to be a successful food critic one day.

Chocolate and Makeup – need we say more? This season has begun to tease us with a few showers and cold weather – chilly enough to embark on a hot chocolate mission. If you’re like every other chocolate maniac that faints at the slightest hint of chocolate, we've got a few delectable items that infuse this aphrodisiac into your regular beauty regime – minus the calories and after-guilt.

Let the scent linger.
You know how it is when that smell reaches your nose – all things stop, your eyes widen, and you start taking a few whiffs of what has to be one of the best and most addicting scents created – chocolate. From perfume to bath bubbles, indulge your senses and mildly torture yourself - and others around - with a spritz of chocolate dense enough to remain and cause a stir wherever you go:


Angel by Thierry Mugler is the first in his signature collection which invokes a sweet, delicate smell that is infused with ---- chocolate. Smart move Thierry.



Sephora Girls Fragrance in Blue is a collection piece of this beauty mecca’s fragrance line. Blue gives a fresh, sweet scent by joining chocolate and fresh mint fragrances.

For a smooth, clean feel, try Cocoa Butter Body Butter from the Body Shop. Philosophy not only offers an extensive facial lineup but is the master in creating body wash and lotions in a variety of “flavors” one has to stop themselves from gulping down. The three-in-one bath product can be used as a shampoo, shower gel and bubble bath – from Fudge Cake to a chocolate lover’s paradise (milk, white and dark chocolate in one special set). Immerse yourself in any of these chocolate-filled products that will make you believe you’ve become a tasty dessert.

Taste it.
These fun lip balms not only protect your lips and keep them smooth, but they will leave your kisses tasting yummy.

From left to right: Dylan’s Candy Bar Candy Lip Saver in Chocolate Cupcake, On10 Hershey’s Chocolate Lip Balm collection and Sweet Beauty Organic Chocolate lip moisturizer

Flaunt It.
From actual chocolate ingredients to chocolate-inspired, these beauty items help create a sexy, smokey look.


Givenchy’s eye shadow palette in Tempting Chocolate includes nine shades to play up the browns for a mild look to a chocolate smokey image.

For a light bronzed look, try Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Matte Bronzing Powder, which actually combines the therapeutic effects of real cocoa powder with their signature bronzing pigments to create a unique matte bronzer that neutralizes red and evens out and enhances all skin tones. Within the same line, Too Faced introduces high-quality mascara in a rich-chocolate hue for voluminous lashes, an alternative to the same black color you may always use.


Beauty is indeed in the nose of the beholder. Scoop up one or all of these intoxicating products for a lingering sweetness that will make your day even better.

Nancy Mora currently works as a proofreader for a busy law firm but her exuberance derives from creative writing and bringing stories to life. She indulges in her weekly cravings from salads to chili cheese fries and is a obliging gym rat – minus the bulging muscles.

Hardcore pop punk front man Lars Heemskerk of FIVEOHfirst answered some brief questions regarding the band's beginnings, their musical influences, what their upcoming plans consist of along with everything else thrown in between.

1. What type of band are you?

Lars: All of us are really good friends so that makes working together musically easy because we are very open to criticism. We love to hang out and have fun and we would do anything for anyone that is a fan of our music.

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Lars: In high school we were all part of different bands and we were all in music classes together. In senior year we decided to start FIVEOHfirst in the Spring of 2006. Despite being at several different colleges across Illinois we've managed to keep writing new music playing shows. We're looking forward to being done with school and continue to promote and extend our fan base.

3. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Lars: Our musical influences consist of New Found Glory, Fall Out Boy, Four Year Strong, A Day to Remember, Blink-182, All Time Low, Muse, The Devil Wears Prada, Haste The Day, Hit The Lights, Cartel, Ice Nine Kills, The Matches, You Me and Everyone We Know, UVERworld Non-musical influences: Our family and friends are our biggest influences. They've been there for us ever since we started and they have always been supportive.

4. What are your dreams and goals?

Lars: Our dreams and goals would that all of us agree that we would love to be able to tour full time and do nothing but FIVEOHfirst and make a living. We would also really like to get the opportunity to tour over seas in Europe and Japan in the near future.

5. Who writes the songs, what are they about?

Lars: Writing for us is a big group effort. it always starts with someone bringing an idea to everyone and we go from there. We feel like our lyrics a lot of times will be about a very specific moment in our lives that has had a big affect on us. but we try and get across that emotion so that anyone who is listening can connect in some way.

6. How do you promote your band and shows?

Lars: We have been using myspace and facebook as a way to promote for shows but we've found its a lot more effective going to other bands shows and just talking to their friends and fans.

7. Describe your shows, visual and musically.

Lars: Visually we try to put on a very energetic and intense live performance. We put all our energy into getting the crowd into the music as well as giving them something exciting to watch.

8. What's your outlook on the record industry today?

Lars: We think that record labels still serve a very important purpose in the music industry and that there are alot of new ways to get exposure as a band out there and it's just a matter of time till some takes advantage it.

9. Tell us a story about a day in your life.

Lars: A day for FIVEOHfirst starts in the afternoon with either some practice or writing. If we don't have a show the party starts early. If we have a show we probably will start partying anyway except for Lars cause he will be running around trying to keep everyone from doing anything to out of control. Somewhere along the line Chris will yell a lot, Steve will get upset, and Adrian will try and drink anything and everything he sees, Rizzo will start making Jager Bombs, and Danny will just sit somewhere and look cute.

10. What inspires you to do what you do?

Lars: What inspires us the most is seeing other bands that are having fun doing what they love and people that enjoy and can relate to our music. Two other big influences that do not get the credit they deserve is snacksand partying.

11. What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Lars: Advice for fellow bands: Biggest thing is to be realistic. If you love what you're doing and who you're doing it with keep doing it. Never give up, never take yourselves to seriously, and never let anyone tell you that your wasting your time.

12. How does music affect you and the world around you?

Lars: We've all been involved in music our whole lives and it is a big part of who we have all become as individuals. Music is one of those things that is never perfect and can always change. One of the most exciting parts of playing together is being able to grow musically and really learn how to get a truly unique sound and that's something that will take us a long time together.

13. What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs/venues?

Lars: The best thing about playing a show is being able to get out in front of people and make new friends. Of course there's always the possibility that the stage and sound setup will not be what you expected, but most of the time the positive's take out the negatives. Oh yea! and drink specials rock!

14. Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.

Lars: Our next show is going to be the November 28th the weekend after thanksgiving in Carol Stream, IL. People should come because it is going to be our first show in our hometown since the summer and we will be playing a couple new songs.

15. Any last words?

Lars: We are FIVEOHfirst. We are addicted to Mexican cuisine, we like tiger woods gold, we like to party, we like to play music, and we love meeting new people. Check us out on itunes. If you like it? Tell your friends.

Natalie Perez has been a Music/Entertainment Journalist for 7 years now having first started out with her middle and high school newspapers. She now writes for a handful of various online and print publications. Her goal is to get her name out as much as possible until she becomes a well-known Music Journalist!

Frontman Mikki Chixx of metal rock n' roll act Stoneman conducted an interview with me to discuss the band's upbringing, music, and upcoming plans for the rest of 09 into 2010.

1. What type of band are you?

Mikki: A very good looking one! hahaha

2. Tell us the brief history of your band.

Mikki: We met 4 years ago in Zurich nightlife and decided to reign the world!

3. Who are your musical and non-musical influences?

Mikki: A few month ago I would have said drugs but to be honest, we got older and much better so we are inspired by everything which is dark , hard and loud!

4. What are your dreams and goals?

Mikki: To finish our third album soon and that people love it the same as we do, it will become more than a masterpiece!

5. Who writes the songs, what are they about?

Mikki: The whole band! everybody is doing his part but Dave as our bass player an producer is doing the most...the songs are about war, hate, darkness and of course girls! Normal live things!

6. How do you promote your band and shows?

Mikki: We are happy to have people doing those things for us. We are very bad business guys!

7. Describe your show, visual and musically.

Mikki: To see us live is a thing I would recommend everybody. We are absolutely motivated to kick your butt!

8. What's your outlook on the record industry today?

Mikki: Good bands and labels will survive, the others will die and burn in hell!

9. Tell us a story about a day in your life.

Mikki: No!

10. What inspires you to do what you do?

Mikki: Everybody I hate and there is lots of em!

11. What advice would you give to fellow bands?

Mikki: Be yourselves and don't run after idols there is no second Guns n Roses, Metallica and specially: THERE IS NO GOD!

12. How does music affect you and the world around you?

Mikki: Its all I am interested in and it makes my day and destroys it in the same second! I am an addict!

13. What's the best and worst thing about playing clubs/venues?

Mikki: There is no negative thing to say about playing shows! Nothing is better than being on stage!

14. Tell us about your next shows and why we should be there.

Mikki: Next shows will be in summer 2010. We have to finish our album first! Why you should come? Cause we are 100% rock n roll and if you don't like it, go and see Jay Z!

15. Any last words?
Mikki: Be patient friends, I know, its been a long time since you saw and heard of us but we will be back soon and we will blow you away!

Natalie Perez has been a Music/Entertainment Journalist for 7 years now having first started out with her middle and high school newspapers. She now writes for a handful of various online and print publications. Her goal is to get her name out as much as possible until she becomes a well-known Music Journalist!

The Echoplex warmly greeted Thao and the Get Down Stay Down along with openers David Shultz and The Portland Cello Project Friday night. Thao Nguyen (vocals, guitar) along with band mates Adam Thompson (bass guitar) and Willis Thompson (drums) blew the eager audience away with stunning, high energy performances of their past hits and new tracks from their upcoming album Know Better Learn Faster - set to release next year. The Portland Cello Project and Thao and the Get Down Stay Down have teamed up to perform and cover songs together while on tour. Both bands feature each other in albums and tracks-a match made in musical heaven.

Although we missed David Shultz’s performance, we made it just in time for the Portland Cello Project. This unlikely foursome performed a mix of classical, modern and cover songs that gave a fresh breath of air in the dark bar setting. The only disadvantage of their performance was the loud crowd that sometimes overpowered the cellos. Although they would probably be much better off in a quiet setting for a richer sound, it was still a fun twist to the overall amazing night. It was apparent that they gained a good number of new fans that night from the crowd that gathered closely to the stage and cheered them on. The cover of Britney Spears’ “Toxic” was beautifully done and a very enjoyable listen. There was the familiar sound of the chorus along with their own spin that turned the popular pop song into something elegant and all their own. If you are a fan of classical music but also have an ear for more modern sounds, The Portland Cello Project is a must listen.

The headliners Thao and the Get Down Stay Down definitely did not disappoint. Their usual easy folk/indie sound was blown into a high energy performance that was truly a pleasant surprise. It was apparent how much they enjoy performing their music for their fans. Although some of Thao’s older hits were not performed, they rocked out with some new tracks that became instant hits with the crowd. The most important element to any live show is the interaction between the band and audience, and there was plenty of it from Thao and the Get Down Stay Down. They encouraged fans to stomp their feet, clap their hands, and bang their heads all night. Not only is their music catchy and awesome to listen to any time, the lyrics are clever and well written. Thao even shows her beat-boxing skills in the song “Hammers,” a favorite of their listeners and a fun song to sing along to.

Overall, it was a surprisingly fresh, energetic, and great night at the Echoplex. If you are a fan of indie/acoustic music, Thao and the Get Down Stay Down is a must listen. They are currently touring all over America through November so hurry and check them out. Trust us-you will not be disappointed with their performance!

Crissy Done graduated from Virginia Commonwealth University with a Bachelor’s in English and a strong desire to write. Her passions include fashion, beauty, music and travel. She hopes to one day become a successful and published author.